A new year! It seems that I’m still trying to wrap my mind around all the events of 2008, and here we are, at the beginning of 2009! Lakeside United Methodist Church enters its 51st year as a congregation that shares the grace of God in service and ministry. My prayer for this congregation and for the church’s presence and ministry in this community is that we grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and eagerly share God’s love with others in witness and ministry. I believe that God has a purpose and plan for each of us that include personal spiritual growth, growth as a family of God, and growth in love and care for our neighbors. One very important way we can grow spiritually is committing to regular and consistent time with God in Scripture reading, study and prayer. You will find in this newsletter a Bible reading guideline for January that you can follow. God speaks through the Word, so I am excited at what God will say to us, teach us, and what the Holy Spirit will impress us to become and to do if many or all of us commit to reading the same passages during the year! Would you be willing to do this, and talk with one another about the insights we gain and even questions we have as we read? The Church Council will meet for a planning session on January 10. The goal is to plan how the ministries and activities of Lakeside can move forward together in a way that will best witness to and share God’s grace and love with one another and the community. Coming soon will be the opportunity for training in witness and faith sharing in which we can learn how to share our faith journeys with others. Let’s grow together as we walk into this New Year. There may be uncertainties and concerns about the economy, finances and personal struggles, but we can put our faith and trust in God. Two verses come to mind. Jesus said to the disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16: 33 NIV, read John 14 – 18 for context!). “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5: 6,7 NIV, read chapter 5 for context). God bless you and yours always. Many Blessings, Pastor Rachel January 1. Gen. 1, 2; Luke 1 2. Gen. 3-5; Luke 2 3. Gen. 6-8; Luke 3 4. Gen. 9-11; Luke 4 5. Gen. 12-14; Luke 5 6. Gen. 15-17; Luke 6 7. Gen. 18, 19; Psalm 3, Luke 7 8. Gen. 20-22; Luke 8 9. Gen. 23, 24; Luke 9 10. Gen. 25, 26; Psalm 6, Luke 10 11. Gen. 27, 28; Psalm 4, Luke 11 12. Gen. 29, 30; Luke 12 13. Gen. 31-33; Luke 13 14. Gen. 34-36; Luke 14 15. Gen. 37, 38; Psalm 7, Luke 15 16. Gen. 39-41; Luke 16 17. Gen. 42, 43; Psalm 5, Luke 17 18. Gen. 44-46, Luke 18 19. Gen. 47, 48; Psalm 10, Luke 19 20. Gen. 49, 50; Psalm 8, Luke 20 21. Ex. 1,2; Psalm 88, Luke 21 22. Ex. 3-5; Luke 22 23. Ex. 6-8; Luke 23 24. Ex. 9-11; Luke 24 25. Ex. 12, 13; Psalm 21, Acts 1 26. Ex. 14-16; Acts 2 27. Ex. 17-20; Acts 3 28. Ex. 21, 22; Psalm 12, Acts 4 29. Ex. 23, 24; Psalm 14, Acts 5 30. Ex. 25-27; Acts 6 31. Ex. 28, 29; Acts 7 "...be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4: 32 NRSV “. . . You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -Acts 1:8 NRSV O God, we confess that we have surrounded ourselves with crosses without realizing the meaning of the cross. We have turned the symbol of the cross into a trinket that is lovely to behold, but we tend to forget its origin and meaning. Forgive us for taking something so serious and treating it so casually. May the way of the cross become our pilgrimage, so much as in us lies. In Jesus’ name, AMEN. -Abingdon Preaching Annual 2007 p. 66 CROS NOTES MISSION: Founded in 1977, the mission of Christians Reaching Out to Society is to enable people of all faiths to work together to identify needs and collaborate with community groups in creating solutions. CROS is supported by churches, synagogues, community groups and private individuals throughout Palm Beach County, all of whom share this common goal. |
